WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Desmond Buerge, a freshman on the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team, will continue his collegiate playing career at Cameron University in Lawton, Okla.

Buerge, a 6-foot, 5-inch forward, from Carthage, Mo., signed a national letter of intent with the Aggies this week and will rejoin former Grizzly Volunteer Assistant Coach Drew Richards, who was recently hired by the university as an assistant coach.  The Aggies are an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Lone Star Conference.

“We knew Desmond was an NCAA academic qualifier out of high school and could leave us after a year, so his decision is not a surprise,” said Grizzly Basketball Head Coach Yancey Walker.  “We are happy that he found a spot that is the right fit for him to continue his playing career.  He did a great job for us as a freshman, and he will be missed.”

“I am thankful to Missouri State-West Plains and the Grizzlies for the opportunity they provided me,” Buerge said.  “I feel like I am prepared for the next level, on and off the floor.”

This past season, Buerge averaged 8.2 points, two rebounds and one assist per game.  He shot 40.2 percent from the field and 34.9 percent from 3-point range.  He also scored in double figures 14 times for the Grizzlies last season.

“Desmond really grew into the college game on both ends of the floor,” Walker said.  “There were times when he was our leading scorer, and there were times when we needed him to use his length to guard some talented scorers.  He’s in good hands with Coach Richards and should continue to grow and improve.”

For more information about the Grizzly Basketball program, visit the team’s website at http://www.wp.missouristate.edu/grizzly/bb.htm or call the Grizzly Basketball office at 417-255-7993.